In 2006, the population of East Zorra-Tavistock was 7,350.Over 70% of East Zorra-Tavistock’s population is under 55 years of age, indicating that the majority of the population is readily available to enter the workforce.

Economy

East Zorra-Tavistock’s economy has historically been heavily dependent on the agricultural industry, which continues to be a major part of the economy today. The township also attracts many skilled workers in the manufacturing sector (the largest employer is Saputo Cheese), as well as people in the health care sector.

The major industries in East Zorra-Tavistock include:

Agriculture

Construction

Manufacturing

Wholesale Trade

Retail

Transportation and Warehousing

Finance and Insurance

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Management of Companies and Enterprise

Education

There are many post-secondary training opportunities available within close proximity to East Zorra-Tavistock to help residents meet the needs of the community. This includes a satellite campus of Fanshawe College in Woodstock, and Conestoga College in Ingersoll. East Zorra-Tavistock is close to many of Ontario’s top post-secondary schools located in Brantford, Guelph, London and Waterloo.

Education Levels, Ages 15 +

East Zorra-Tavistock

East Zorra-Tavistock %

Ontario %

No certificate, diploma or degree

1680

29%

22%

High school certificate or equivalent

1655

29%

27%

Apprenticeship or trades certificate of diploma

460

8%

8%

College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma

1310

23%

18%

University certificate or diploma below the bachelor level

125

2%

4%

University certificate, diploma or degree

475

8%

21%

Source: Statistics Canada Community Profiles, 2006

Labour Force

East Zorra-Tavistock is home to a multi-skilled labour force. Compared to the provincial average, East Zorra-Tavistockhas a high number of workers in agricultural based industries, as well as manufacturing and health care and social services.

Experienced Labour Force, Ages 15 +

East Zorra-Tavistock

East Zorra-Tavistock %

Ontario %

Agriculture and other resource-based industries

510

13%

3%

Construction

235

6%

6%

Manufacturing

745

18%

14%

Wholesale trade

185

5%

5%

Retail trade

330

8%

11%

Finance and real estate

195

5%

7%

Health care and social services

500

12%

9%

Educational services

110

3%

7%

Business services

680

17%

20%

Other services

575

14%

18%

Source: Statistics Canada Community Profiles, 2006

Access to Major Markets

East Zorra-Tavistock is accessible by highway, air and railway. The settled areas are a short drive from Highway 401, 402 and 403.

East Zorra-Tavistock is located near several airports, including the Region of Waterloo Airport, Hamilton International Airport, London International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The township also has access to the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Rail Line